Ganghwa's 'Hwagae Garden' Stands Tall as Premier Tourism Destination in Northwestern Korea

[Suwon Ilbo= Reporter Choi Ki-ho] The Hwagae Garden located in Ganghwa is projected to generate an annual economic impact of approximately 29.8 billion won for the local economy.

If results proceed as expected, within two years following the official opening of Hwagae Garden, the project is expected to generate economic effects exceeding the construction costs of Hwagae Garden and related facilities.

This information was disclosed on the 31st through Ganghwa County's announcement of research findings on efficient operational plans for Hwagae Garden, including admission fees.

Ganghwa County commissioned the Korean Local Economy Research Institute to conduct a three-month research project from May investigating the economic impact of Hwagae Garden on the local economy.

The study included a visitor satisfaction survey for Hwagae Garden. Based on survey results from visitors, overall satisfaction with Hwagae Garden facilities showed 'satisfied' at 63%, 'neutral' at 21%, 'dissatisfied' at 12%, and 'no response' at 4%.

By facility, the Hwagae Mountain observation deck showed the highest satisfaction rate at 78%, demonstrating characteristics befitting Asia's highest observation deck with direct views of North Korea.

Additionally, based on monthly visitor analysis, projections were made for 2023 visitor numbers and resulting financial analysis. Based on current visitor data analysis, 2023 is projected to see 488,000 visitors to Hwagae Garden, with estimated annual revenue of approximately 2.2 billion won.

Based on financial analysis of the 2023 Hwagae Garden Office budget's operational costs of 2.5 billion won, an anticipated deficit of approximately 300 million won is expected; however, Hwagae Garden's visitor numbers are projected to increase annually, with estimates indicating a shift to profitability compared to operational costs within 2 to 3 years.

Meanwhile, Hwagae Garden was developed as County Governor Yu Cheon-ho's highest-priority project to promote balanced development of underdeveloped areas and activate the local economy.

As Incheon's first regional garden, it officially opened on May 13th and surpassed 100,000 visitors within 57 days of opening, establishing itself as a new premier tourism destination in Korea's northwestern region.